Recommended Albums

Various artists albums

The following is a less than definitive list of albums that are not only an immensely pleasurable listen but also educational, in that they all provide an excellent insight into old time/hillbilly, blues, western swing and country musics into the 1950s and beyond. Notes about the albums, artists, etc. will gradually be added, plus also, more albums. It is a never ending list but for the sake of some sort of cataloguing will gradually be converted into the various decades and individual artists and their albums will be added shortly!

Harry Smiths Anthology of American Folk Music vols. 1-3 (6 discs)Originally released in 1952 as a six disc(vinyl!) box set. Finally re- released on c.d. in 1998. Believed to be THE album that sparked the 1950s and 1960s folk revival. Contains classic blues, gospel and hillbilly artists and songs. The set was compiled by Smith from his own and friends collections of original 78’s.Harry Smiths Anthology of American Folk Music vol. 4 (2 discs)Released in 2000 this was the fourth but previously unreleased volume of Harry Smiths anthologyWhite country blues 1926 – 1938: A lighter shade of blue (2 discs)This two disc set was released in 1993 and is now apparently unavailable. It really is a compilation that defines the link between the old rural blues and hillbilly communities. There are some of the classic and legendary white blues artists included such as Frank Hutchison, Charlie Poole, Cliff Carlisle etc. included as well as many, but just as relevant, lesser knowns! Rough Guide to the Delta BluesIf you only want one single disc introduction to the Delta blues this 2002 released album is probably the one for you. It includes many of the greats of the genre such as Son House, Charlie Patton, Fred McDowell and many others.Roots n’ blues: The retrospective 1925 – 1950 (4 discs)This 1992 release is another exceptional compilation covering hillbilly, blues, western swing etc. There is an excellent 60 page, highly informative, booklet with it and the set covers well known artists, unknown artists and what in all probability are unknowable artists as well!!!Good for what ails you: Music of the medicine shows 1926 – 1937 (2 discs)Another essential collection, this one includes a 74 page booklet. As the title suggests, these 2 discs include artists that used to play in the old travelling medicine shows of the early 20th century.

More compilations!!!

Stompin’ singers & western swingers. (4 x c.d)Released in 2004 this is an excellent compilation of some classic western swing but also a fair amount of Honky Tonk!A town south of Bakersfield, vols. 1-3 (3 seperate c.d’s)Released individually in 1986, 1988 and 1992. These three discs compile artists that are labeled as ‘Bakersfield sound.’ If you like the edgier side of merle Haggard and want to hear more artists in the genre these could be for you. Volumes 1 and 2 can be bought as a single disc nowCan’t you hear me callin’: Bluegrass, 80 years of American music. (4 x c.d)Probably the best compilation showing the roots and story of bluegrass up to the present. Was released in 2004.The stuff that dreams are made of. (2 x c.d)Tremendous 2006 compilation of rare old time and blues tracksColumbia country classics. (5 x c.d)Released in 1990 this set is as comprehensive a collection of the country sub genres as any 5 discs could be. Each disc has it’s own title, 1/The golden age, 2/ Honky tonk heroes, 3/ Americana, 4/ The Nashville sound, 5/ A new tradition.Times ain’t like they used to be (6 x c.d)These are actually 3 double c.d’s that were all released in 1997 to illustrate ‘early American rural music’. A few of the artists are well known, but most are not known at all. Rose grew round the briar, vols. 1 & 2 (2 x c.d)Similar in artists & quality to ‘Times ain’t ……. Again, released in 1997Roots music: An American journey (4 x c.d) Released in 2001, an exceptional collection of American folk, blues, bluegrass, even alt.country! Kentucky mountain music. (7 x c.d)A brilliant collection of ‘old time’ music from the most dominant state in that genre. Released in 2003Doughboys, playboys & cowboys (4 x c.d)Excellent collection of Honky Tonk and Western Swing, released in 1999The History of Country and Western music (20 x c.d)Released in 2005 this 20 disc collection is far more than most people will ever need but it does cover country music from the early recordings up to the 1950’s and no Nashville gloss!I’m not sure if it is still available, but it is worth a search!Constant Sorrow: Bluegrass from root to flower (3 x c.d)Only released recently (2010) and really does trace bluegrass from it’s roots to the present day.

Individual Artists

I thought that initially I would start this list of essential albums with just 10 of the best! Then I realized fairly quickly that even 100 would not be more than the tip of the iceberg, so what I did was come up with a list of 20 in less than a minute. Some of my favourites are in the list but not all. This is going to be a far bigger undertaking than I thought so I will add more albums as time allows. Any questions or comments feel free to contact me here or on facebook but don’t think this is a definitive list! There is certainly some amazing music here though!John Prine – John Prine (1971)Probably the best debut ever by anyone!Cowboy Nation – A journey out of time (2000)Criminally underrated, but some great albums were made by these former members of the legendary cowpunks 'Rank and File' the Kinman Brothers!Rachel Brooke - Down in the barnyard (2011)One of the most gorgeous albums of dark country' ever!International Submarine Band – Safe at home. 1968Whether it was the 1st country rock album or not, it was certainly country music played by a rock bandThe Band – Music from Big Pink. 1968 Not too many people have produced a better debut album. The Rolling Stone magazine used the ‘new’ word ‘Americana’ to describe it!Neil Young – After the gold rush. 1970Could have picked any of about 6 albums!Gene Clark – Roadmaster. 1972The late and greatest singer songwriter and possibly father of 1960s country rock?Gram Parsons – Grievous Angel/G.P. 1973The generally acknowledged father of country rock, the bonus being that this is a twofer disc!Byrds – Sweetheart of the Rodeo. 1968Another candidate for the first country rock album but a ‘classic album’ in it’s own right.Flying Buritto Brothers – Gilded Palace of Sin. 1969Named after the late and much lamented Brighton promoters!Poco – Pickin’ up the pieces. 1969The uncommercial and all the better for it, reverse side of the Eagles mirrorSteve Earle – Guitar Town. 1986He’s never made a bad album butthis is the one that hooked me!Uncle Tupelo – No Depression. 1990The album that kick started a magazine!Son Volt – Trace. 1996Great album by the best post U.T. band!Little Feat – Dixie Chicken. 1973Lowell Geaorge and co at their bestGrateful Dead – American beauty. 1970Dead nod to country rock!Townes Van Zandt – Live at the Old Quarter. 1977Brilliant live album, but most of his catalogue is as goodLynyrd Skynyrd – Pronounced Leh-Nerd Skin-Nerd. 1973Any album containing ‘Freebird’ is essential!Star City – Inside the other days. 2001The band that No Depression said is ‘the best alt.country band you’ve never heard of’!Jayhawks – Sound of lies. 1997Excellent post Olson albumDave Alvin – Public domain. 2000.His most essential album!Michelle Shocked – Arkansas Traveller. 1991Recorded at various points around the U.S. with various supporting artists, but despite that, a great album!June Star – Telegraph. 2001Probably the best album by this criminally underated band